Rape is one of the most life-changing accusations a person can face. Not only are the penalties for sexual crimes quite severe, but the social stigmas and resulting fallout can be overwhelming and long-lived. Unfortunately, for the accused, physical evidence is not mandatory to secure criminal charges against a person. Innocent people have been put behind bars because they didn’t have enough evidence to exonerate themselves. Don’t let this happen to you! Dallas, Texas Defense Attorney Jeff King is aggressive in his pursuit of justice and leaves no stone unturned in gathering the real facts behind the case. Our lawyers work hard to make sure you walk out of court with the clean slate you deserve.
We Work Hard to Dismiss Charges
Criminal offenses involving unwanted sexual acts can lead to lifetime imprisonment, even for first-time offenders. If convicted of rape in Texas, you could face between two and 20 years in jail for sexual assault. If the charge is elevated to “aggravated sexual assault,” that could translate to between five and 99 years in prison. The fine for these crimes is $10,000 if convicted.
To make matters worse, you may be required to register as a violent sex offender for life. This puts your name, picture, and address up on a public website and on materials distributed to your neighborhood police department. Registered sex offenders are often unable to seek gainful employment or find suitable housing. They are attacked and harassed, driven out of communities. Contact the Jeff King Law Firm to schedule a free consultation to discuss how we can work together to explore every avenue for acquittal and get all charges dropped.
Most Times Rape is He Said She Said
Most times, rape is your word against another’s. Few crimes trigger more emotional bias in jurors than rape. It is important that you work with a sensitive and experienced attorney who specializes in refuting sex crime allegations.
With more than 14 years of experience in sex crime defense, Jeff King has the investigative experience needed to win your case. He has developed a winning team of expert witnesses in the fields of DNA and Toxicology, law enforcement, and lie detection to bring issues with the plaintiff’s arguments to light. He has worked on both sides of the aisle, so he knows how to anticipate all potential lines of attack.
Legal Defenses For Rape
“Marriage” is not considered a legal defense for rape accusations, but there are many other arguments allowed:
- Innocence due to a confirmed alibi, or a case of mistaken identity
- The victim consented
- The victim was likely to consent due to past history of promiscuity and/or false accusations
- The defendant was no more than three years older than the “child” at the time and there was consent
- The defendant believed the victim was of age and the victim consented
- The defendant did not intend for sexual contact to occur
- The defendant was afflicted by insanity or another mental disorder
- Forensic evidence was tampered with in an attempt to falsely accuse the defendant
US Rape Laws
Title 10 U.S. Code § 920 – Art. 120 defines a rapist as any person who commits a sexual act upon another person by:
- Using unlawful force
- Using force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm
- Threatening or placing another person in fear of death, grievous bodily harm, or kidnapping
- First rendering the other person unconscious, or
- Administering by force, threat of force, or without knowledge or consent a drug, intoxicant, or other substance that impairs the ability of the other person to appraise or control conduct.
Texas Rape Laws
Most states have more expansive definitions of “rape” included in their codes. For instance, in Section 22.011 of the Texas Penal Code, it is stated that a sexual assault occurs when there is:
- Intercourse and penetration without consent
- Sexual abuse of a person who cannot give consent due to disability or diminished mental capacity
- Intercourse, penetration, or sexual contact with a minor
- Forcible and violent intercourse, even with consent
- Coercive sexual acts
Typically, in Texas, law enforcement officials refer to sexual misconduct as “rape”, whereas prosecutors and judges prefer the term “sexual assault”. There may be distinctive definitions in other states, but the terms are used interchangeably in Texas.
“Statutory rape” involves sexual assaults with minors. In Texas, a “child” is defined as any person under the age of 17. The act is considered “without consent” if physical violence was threatened or used; if the victim is physically unable to resist or comprehend what was happening; or if the defendant is in a position of power over the victim, such as a public servant, landlord, employer, or clergyman.
Charges can be elevated to “aggravated sexual assault” if:
- The victim suffered grievous bodily harm
- The victim feared death, serious bodily injury, or kidnapping
- A deadly weapon was used or exhibited during the crime
- There was more than one perpetrator
- Date rape drugs like rohypnol or ketamine were used
- The victim was under age 14, elderly, or disabled
“Competent and Compassionate”
I found Jeff to be a competent and compassionate advocate. As a client, he was the “voice” that I needed him to be to achieve a good result. He allowed me to communicate my needs to him and then diligently went to work to attain them. I would recommend him without hesitation.
- ReneeFraud client
“I was given a fair and positive outcome.”
With the type circumstance I had, it was not a hard case nor one that required a court visit or in front of a Judge but it did take some research and many hours of information gathering. I was given to the point, fair and accurate information by Jeffery King and he stuck with me through the whole ordeal. This was not only vital but very personable and I appreciated that to the fullest. I felt comfortable and positive through the entire situation and was given a fair and positive outcome. I thank Jeff King and his other staff that were involved for all they did.
- StevenGovernment contractor
“Prepared, Aggressive & Passionate about the Defense”
As the father of a recent active duty Air Force client of Mr. King’s, and being intimately involved day to day with the case, I can say without hesitation nor mental reservation, Jeff King is a consummate professional. Jeff was not only prepared, aggressive, and passionate about the defense, he also made the time to explain in detail every facet of the trial as it progressed. Having an attorney of Jeff’s caliber in our corner bestowed a feeling of confidence to our family, which was a critical factor in our ability to manage the stressfulness inherent to such serious allegations. Jeff prepared the entire family for every scenario, good and bad, and for that we are forever grateful. Upon receipt of the not guilty verdict and celebrating the obvious joy we felt that this “created adventure” had now come to an end, also came the realization that not only had he won this case, and with it our son’s continued freedom and innocence, but we had made a friend of the highest regard. Our family cannot thank Mr. King enough for his excellent representation on behalf of our son, but also for the lofty amount of integrity and humility demonstrated during the most trying time of our lives. Much respect and Semper Fi.
- BrentMilitary Client’s Father
“Jeff is the best!”
I thought my life was over when I was accused of a horrible crime at a general court-martial. From the moment I met Jeff, he instilled confidence in my case and showed a real enthusiasm for what he does. Be warned: Jeff will put you to work! He prepares for battle and expects you to contribute. He is confident in court and I enjoyed watching the jury respond to him. In the end, I was found NOT GUILTY to all charges! I am so grateful that I hired Jeff to defend me.
- Military Law Client
“Jeff sets the standard.”
Jeff was amazing! He handled my case through the end of the Article 32 hearing, and set the basis for my acquittal. If it had been any other IO than the one it was, I am certain it would have been dismissed right then, as all the objections he made in the Article 32 were later upheld by the Military Judge, and they been upheld at the Article 32 hearing, it would have been dismissed on the spot. His knowledge, and preparation made all the difference in my case, and his relentless pursuit of the truth showed through. He will always be my first recommendation to anyone who needs legal help.
- SPC C, US Army
Rape Defense Lawyer in Dallas, Texas
Facing rape accusations can be overwhelming and intimidating. Interrogations by police officers, detectives, and prosecutors is particularly grueling. They attack every angle in order to solicit a confession. Rape Attorney Jeff King has courtroom experience in building strong, credible arguments to establish the innocence of his clients. Winning a case is all about detailed investigative work, pulling in expert witnesses, and poking holes through the plaintiff’s credibility. Only the most skilled defense attorneys are suitable to tackle this type of complex case. Call the Law Office of Jeff King to secure your top-class defense today.
Additional Resources:
- FindLaw, Texas Sexual Assault Laws, http://statelaws.findlaw.com/texas-law/texas-sexual-assault-laws.html
- Cornell, US Code 920, https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/920
- Justia, The Criminal Defense of Consent, https://www.justia.com/criminal/defenses/consent/